Trent Bridge

Hales given Championship opportunity

Featured News | 24th August 2009

Alex Hales will get the chance to stake his claim for the opener’s spot when Nottinghamshire take on Worcestershire at New Road this week.

The 20-year-old took the Derbyshire Second XI attack apart two weeks ago with a career-high 246, prompting his recall at the expense of Matthew Wood for the trip to the Championship strugglers.

Director of Cricket Mick Newell hopes the attacking right-hander can provide an answer to his opening partnership headache, as Notts bid to end a run of seven games without victory and close the gap on Durham, who lead Division One by 37 points.

He said: “We will keep trying different opening combinations and we must find someone who can be a success.

“I think we have tried five or six different partnerships and we will give another one a try at New Road with Scott Newman and Alex Hales.

“We need to find something that works, as I’ve said lots of times that we are just an opening partnership away from being a decent side.

“When you look at the way our other batsmen have performed it’s the only area where we aren’t firing. Mark Wagh has been consistent, our middle order has been very consistent and the two overseas batsmen have been outstanding.”

All-rounder Paul Franks and young seamer Andy Carter are also added to the squad to add more bowling options, with Darren Pattinson missing out.